Lynda J. Thompson, 64 of Galena, died May 17, 2023 at Kansas City Hospice House following a short illness. Born in Baxter Springs, May 24, 1958, Lynda was the daughter of Terrill and Lois (Anderson) Ward. She graduated from Galena High School as Valedictorian with the Class of 1976. She attended Missouri Southern State College where she studied mathematics before beginning her career at Empire District Electric Company in 1983. She retired from Empire District as a Customer Service Director in 2018 and continued working with them as a consultant until her illness.
Lynda served as a board member of the Galena Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund for many years and also as the secretary for Project Help Utility Assistance charity. She was involved in the Galena Chamber of Commerce and volunteered at the Galena Mining and Historical Museum. She was a Guard with the PEO for many years and was recently elected as President of the local chapter. She was famous for her wedding cakes, birthday cakes, cupcakes and designer cookies and enjoyed spreading the joy of her baking for the past 35 years.
Lynda and Steve Thompson were united in marriage July 30, 1976 at Galena. She loved attending her grandson’s games and events and her annual sister trips. Even though she was quiet and reserved, she had a wry, dry, witty sense of humor. Lynda loved attending concerts with her family, seeing over 35 different acts. Her last was her favorite - Paul McCartney. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, Nana, sister, and aunt.
Lynda is survived by her husband, Steve Thompson of the home; one son, Dr. Kyle Thompson (wife, Kammi) of Nixa, Mo.; one daughter, Kalyn Thompson (wife, Tori Tyler) of Joplin, Mo.; one grandson, Kannon Thompson; her mother, Lois Ward of Galena; one brother, Kelvin Ward (wife, Cindy) of Galena; four sisters, Brenda Mallatt of Joplin, Mo., Lois Kay Spillman (husband, Steve) of Andover, Gaylene Keyser (husband, Hutch) of Galena, Dr. Starla Meigs (husband, Terence) of Cookeville,Tenn.; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Lynda was preceded in death by her father, Terrill Ward; one sister, Dianna Green; and one niece, Megan Mallatt.
A graveside service was held Saturday, May 20 at Oak Hill Cemetery of Galena. Family friend Tom Wade officiated. Pallbearers were Mike Thompson, Darrell Boyes, Jim Bastian, Max Sheffield, Steven Lance, and Joe John de la Cerda.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lynda Thompson Scholarship Fund in care of the Galena Education Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.